The Department of Commerce Blog Entries for Category: Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blankhttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/category/1330
The U.S. Department of Commerce has a broad mandate to advance economic growth and jobs and opportunities for the American people. It has cross cutting responsibilities in the areas of trade, technology, entrepreneurship, economic development, environmental stewardship and statistical research and analysis.
The products and services the department provides touch the lives of Americans and American companies in many ways, including weather forecasts, the decennial census, and patent and trademark protection for inventors and businesses. The development of commerce to provide new opportunities was the central goal at the department's beginning in 1903 and it remains a primary obligation today.enInternational Visitors Spent $14.4 Billion in the United States in March 2013http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/05/06/international-visitors-spent-144-billion-united-states-march-2013
<p><em><strong>Firs-quarter U.S. Travel and Tourism exports contribute $43 billion to the U.S. economy</strong></em></p><p>U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank highlighted new data today that shows spending by international visitors to the United States in March 2013 totaled more than $14.4 billion, an increase of nearly 3 percent when compared to last year. International visitors spent $43 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the first quarter of 2013. The data release coincides with National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrated each year to recognize the positive impact the industry has on our economy.</p><blockquote><p><br />“International travel and tourism represents our country’s largest services export,” said Deputy Secretary Blank. “So far this year, international visitor spending in the United States has markedly outpaced U.S. spending abroad by more than $13 billion, which continues our momentum from 2012’s record-setting year. Likewise, last week’s jobs report showed continued strong job growth in the leisure and hospitality industry. &nbsp;Travel and tourism is an important sector of our economy, which is why we are continuing to increase our efforts to attract more international tourists to vacation in the United States.”&nbsp;</p></blockquote><p>Purchases of travel and tourism-related goods and services by international visitors traveling in the United States totaled $11 billion during March. These goods and services include food, lodging, recreation, gifts, entertainment, local transportation in the United States, and other items incidental to foreign travel. Fares received by U.S. carriers (and U.S. vessel operators) from international visitors also increased by nearly 3 percent to $3.4 billion for the month, an increase of $70 million when compared to March 2012. Overall, the United States enjoyed a favorable balance of trade for the month of March in the travel and tourism sector, with a surplus of $4.2 billion. <a href="/news/press-releases/2013/05/06/international-visitors-spent-144-billion-united-states-march-2013">Full release</a></p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/05/06/international-visitors-spent-144-billion-united-states-march-2013#commentsEconomyInternational tradeNational Travel and Tourism StrategyTravel and tourismInternational Trade AdministrationDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankMon, 06 May 2013 14:30:00 +0000ksullivan@doc.gov15630 at http://www.commerce.govDeputy Secretary Blank Announces 20 Companies Joining Infrastructure Business Development Trade Mission to Brazil, Colombia and Panamahttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/24/deputy-secretary-blank-announces-20-companies-joining-infrastructure-business-develo
<p>U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank <a href="/news/press-releases/2013/04/24/us-deputy-secretary-commerce-rebecca-blank-announces-20-companies-joi" target="_blank">today announced the 20 companies that will join her on an infrastructure business development trade mission to Sao Paulo, Brazil; Bogota, Colombia; and Panama City, Panama</a> from May 12-18, 2013. The governments of these countries have each outlined ambitious infrastructure development plans for the years ahead, and this trade mission will help U.S. companies in a broad range of infrastructure industry sectors make the connections they need to expand their business opportunities in Brazil, Colombia and Panama.<br /><br />The trade mission will support President Obama’s <a href="http://export.gov/nei/index.asp" target="_blank">National Export Initiative</a>, a government-wide strategy to promote American exports and create 2 million export-supported jobs by the end of 2014. Last year, exports hit another all-time record, reaching $2.2 trillion. And, between 2009 and 2012 exports have supported 1.3 million additional jobs.<br /><br />The mission will also highlight the successes in the U.S. trade relationships with <a href="http://export.gov/FTA/colombia/index.asp" target="_blank">Colombia</a> and <a href="http://export.gov/FTA/panama/index.asp" target="_blank">Panama</a>, specifically, since free trade agreements with each country have taken effect. The Deputy Secretary and the business delegation will be in Colombia on the one-year anniversary of the implementation of that Free Trade Agreement (FTA), May 15. </p><p>The
mission will include export-ready U.S. firms in a broad range of leading U.S.
infrastructure and industrial sectors, with an emphasis on project management
(including construction, architecture and design), transportation (including
road/highways, rail, airports, and intelligent transportation systems), energy
(including distribution, transmission, and smart grid), water resources
management (including water treatment, distribution and collection), and safety
and security. The mission will help U.S. businesses in initiating or expanding
exports to Brazil, Colombia and Panama by making business-to-business
introductions, providing market access information, and facilitating access to
government decision makers.</p><p>See the <a href="/news/press-releases/2013/04/24/us-deputy-secretary-commerce-rebecca-blank-announces-20-companies-joi" target="_blank">entire list of 20 companies</a> and learn more about the <a href="http://export.gov/brazilcolombiapanama2013/eg_main_057657.asp" target="_blank">opportunities in each of these three export markets</a>.</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/24/deputy-secretary-blank-announces-20-companies-joining-infrastructure-business-develo#commentsBrazil Colombia and Panama Trade MissionNational Export InitiativeNEITrade missionInternational Trade AdministrationOffice of the SecretaryDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankWed, 24 Apr 2013 16:15:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov15620 at http://www.commerce.govDeputy Secretary Blank Highlights "Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership" Initiativehttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/18/deputy-secretary-blank-highlights-investing-manufacturing-communities-partnership-in
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<a href="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/april/dsrb-podium-for-web.jpg" rel="lightbox[field_photo][Deputy Secretary Blank Highlights &quot;Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership&quot; Initiative at Hexcel Corporation&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/april/dsrb-podium-for-web.jpg&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; id=&quot;lightbox2-download-link-text&quot;&gt;Download Original&lt;/a&gt;]" class="imagefield imagefield-lightbox2 imagefield-lightbox2-custom_crop_350x230 imagefield-field_photo imagecache imagecache-field_photo imagecache-custom_crop_350x230 imagecache-field_photo-custom_crop_350x230"><img src="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/imagecache/custom_crop_350x230/images/2013/april/dsrb-podium-for-web.jpg" alt="Deputy Secretary Blank Highlights &quot;Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership&quot; Initiative at Hexcel Corporation" title="Deputy Secretary Blank Highlights &quot;Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership&quot; Initiative at Hexcel Corporation" width="350" height="163" /></a> </div>
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<p>Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank today <a href="/news/deputy-secretary-speeches/2013/04/18/remarks-hexcel-corporation-salt-lake-city-utah" target="_blank">highlighted</a> the newly-announced “<a href="/news/fact-sheets/2013/04/17/fact-sheet-investing-manufacturing-communities-partnership" target="_blank">Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership</a>,” an Obama Administration initiative that will help accelerate the resurgence of manufacturing and create jobs in cities across the country.<br /><br />This effort rewards communities that demonstrate their plans to attract and expand manufacturing in their area, using targeted investments in workforce training, infrastructure, research, and other key assets.<br /><br />Deputy Secretary Blank <a href="/news/press-releases/2013/04/17/deputy-secretary-blank-announces-new-federal-partnership-promote-manu" target="_blank">unveiled the initiative this week</a> and visited Hexcel Corporation today, which is located in an area of Utah that has leveraged the resources of the public sector, private firms, and educational institutions to achieve a successful model of economic development that the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership encourages. During her visit, Deputy Secretary Blank took a tour of Hexcel’s Salt Lake City facility and participated in a roundtable with local business, government and educational leaders.<br /><br /></p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/18/deputy-secretary-blank-highlights-investing-manufacturing-communities-partnership-in#commentsInvesting in Manufacturing Communities PartnershipEconomic Development AdministrationOffice of the SecretaryDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankThu, 18 Apr 2013 21:00:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov15618 at http://www.commerce.govDeputy Secretary Blank Announces New Federal Partnership to Promote Manufacturing Investment in American Communities, Create Jobshttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/17/deputy-secretary-blank-announces-new-federal-partnership-promote-manufacturing-inves
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<a href="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/april/lee_benson_deputy_secretary_blank_and_mayor_smith1.jpg" rel="lightbox[field_photo][Mayor Scott Smith, Able Engineering President and CEO Lee Benson and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank During a Tour of the Able Engineering Facility in Mesa, Arizona&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/april/lee_benson_deputy_secretary_blank_and_mayor_smith1.jpg&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; id=&quot;lightbox2-download-link-text&quot;&gt;Download Original&lt;/a&gt;]" class="imagefield imagefield-lightbox2 imagefield-lightbox2-custom_crop_350x230 imagefield-field_photo imagecache imagecache-field_photo imagecache-custom_crop_350x230 imagecache-field_photo-custom_crop_350x230"><img src="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/imagecache/custom_crop_350x230/images/2013/april/lee_benson_deputy_secretary_blank_and_mayor_smith1.jpg" alt="Mayor Scott Smith, Able Engineering President and CEO Lee Benson and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank During a Tour of the Able Engineering Facility in Mesa, Arizona" title="Mayor Scott Smith, Able Engineering President and CEO Lee Benson and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank During a Tour of the Able Engineering Facility in Mesa, Arizona" width="350" height="233" /></a> </div>
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<p>U.S.
Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank today <a href="/news/press-releases/2013/04/17/deputy-secretary-blank-announces-new-federal-partnership-promote-manu" target="_blank">announced the launch</a> of the
“<a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/" target="_blank">Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership</a>,” an Obama Administration
initiative that will help accelerate the resurgence of manufacturing and create
jobs in cities across the country. </p>
<p>This
effort rewards communities that demonstrate their plans to attract and expand
manufacturing in their area, using targeted investments in workforce training,
infrastructure, research, and other key assets. </p>
<p>Deputy
Secretary Blank unveiled the initiative at the new, 200,000-square foot Able
Engineering facility in Mesa, Arizona, a community that has leveraged the
resources of the public sector, private firms and educational institutions to
achieve a successful model of economic development. Mesa was hard-hit when
Williams Air Force Base closed in 1993, leaving many aerospace engineers
unemployed. The city took over the site, converted it to the Phoenix-Mesa
Gateway Airport, and came up with a plan to attract aerospace companies to the
area, where they could capitalize on the existing workforce and benefit from
being located near similar firms and nearby colleges. In just fifteen years,
Able has grown into a multi-million dollar conglomerate, servicing aircraft
from around the world.&nbsp; Its continued growth and support for its workforce
demonstrate the benefits of operating within a community like Mesa’s.</p><p><a href="/news/fact-sheets/2013/04/17/fact-sheet-investing-manufacturing-communities-partnership" target="_blank">Fact Sheet</a> | <a href="/news/press-releases/2013/04/17/deputy-secretary-blank-announces-new-federal-partnership-promote-manu" target="_blank">Press Release</a></p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/17/deputy-secretary-blank-announces-new-federal-partnership-promote-manufacturing-inves#commentsInvesting in Manufacturing Communities PartnershipEconomic Development AdministrationOffice of the SecretaryDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankWed, 17 Apr 2013 21:15:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov15614 at http://www.commerce.govU.S. Department of Commerce Announces Patents for Humanity Winnershttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/12/us-department-commerce-announces-patents-humanity-winners
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<a href="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/april/rblank-resized.jpg" rel="lightbox[field_photo][Deputy Secretary Blank Speaking during the Patents For Humanity Awards Event&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/april/rblank-resized.jpg&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; id=&quot;lightbox2-download-link-text&quot;&gt;Download Original&lt;/a&gt;]" class="imagefield imagefield-lightbox2 imagefield-lightbox2-custom_crop_350x230 imagefield-field_photo imagecache imagecache-field_photo imagecache-custom_crop_350x230 imagecache-field_photo-custom_crop_350x230"><img src="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/imagecache/custom_crop_350x230/images/2013/april/rblank-resized.jpg" alt="Deputy Secretary Blank Speaking during the Patents For Humanity Awards Event" title="Deputy Secretary Blank Speaking during the Patents For Humanity Awards Event" width="350" height="166" /></a> </div>
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<p>The U.S. Department of Commerce <a href="/news/press-releases/2013/04/11/us-department-commerce-announces-patents-humanity-winners" target="_blank">announced the winners of the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Patents for Humanity pilot program</a>
during an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill supported by the Ewing Marion
Kauffman Foundation. Launched by the USPTO in <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/02/08/rewarding-inventors-who-work-solve-global-challenges">February
2012</a> as part of an Obama administration
initiative promoting game-changing innovations to solve long-standing
development challenges, Patents for Humanity is a competition recognizing
patent owners and licensees who address global challenges in health and
standards of living. </p>
<p>U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank, U.S. Senate
Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Special Assistant to the
President and National Security Council Senior Director Gayle Smith and Acting
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property Teresa Stanek Rea
delivered remarks at the awards ceremony. </p>
<p>“A strong patent system is crucial to supporting our continued
economic growth, and its benefits don’t stop at our borders. Patented
inventions are bringing longer, healthier, fuller lives to people across the
globe,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank. “As part of the
President’s global development agenda, the Patents for Humanity program is a
great example of how American innovation is helping solve critical global
challenges and creating prosperity in emerging economies.”</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/12/us-department-commerce-announces-patents-humanity-winners#commentsPatents for HumanityPatent and Trademark OfficeDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankFri, 12 Apr 2013 14:30:00 +0000ksullivan@doc.gov15594 at http://www.commerce.govDeputy Secretary of Commerce Blank Announces Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Requesthttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/10/deputy-secretary-commerce-blank-announces-fiscal-year-2014-budget-request
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<a href="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/april/2014_budget-blog.jpg" rel="lightbox[field_photo][U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank Announces Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Request&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/april/2014_budget-blog.jpg&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; id=&quot;lightbox2-download-link-text&quot;&gt;Download Original&lt;/a&gt;]" class="imagefield imagefield-lightbox2 imagefield-lightbox2-custom_crop_350x230 imagefield-field_photo imagecache imagecache-field_photo imagecache-custom_crop_350x230 imagecache-field_photo-custom_crop_350x230"><img src="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/imagecache/custom_crop_350x230/images/2013/april/2014_budget-blog.jpg" alt="Budget request cover" title="U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank Announces Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Request" width="284" height="350" /></a> </div>
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<p>U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank today released the
Department of Commerce’s fiscal year 2014 <a href="http://osec.doc.gov/bmi/Budget/FY14BIB/ENTIREBIB.pdf">budget request</a>,
which supports President Obama’s plan for an economy built to last with crucial
investments in advanced manufacturing, innovation, trade promotion and
enforcement, and research and development. These investments are designed to
help grow the economy, create jobs and strengthen the middle class. The $8.6
billion budget request is an increase of $1 billion over the fiscal year 2012
level. The Department also identified a total of $195 million in administrative
savings.</p>
<p>“The
Department of Commerce has a vital mission to help American businesses thrive
so they can create jobs here at home and maintain a competitive edge abroad,”
said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank. “The Department’s fiscal
year 2014 budget reflects our commitment to our core priorities, including
revitalizing American manufacturing, spurring innovation by investing in
world-class research, science and technology, and driving export growth.
Overall, this budget proposes targeted investments that will enable us to carry
out our responsibility to help grow American businesses and the economy, while
also spending federal dollars wisely.”</p><p><em>Read the <a href="/news/press-releases/2013/04/10/us-deputy-secretary-commerce-rebecca-blank-announces-fiscal-year-2014" target="_blank">key investments in the FY 2014 Department of Commerce budget</a>.
</em></p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/10/deputy-secretary-commerce-blank-announces-fiscal-year-2014-budget-request#commentsBudgetFY 2014 BudgetDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankWed, 10 Apr 2013 17:30:00 +0000ksullivan@doc.gov15592 at http://www.commerce.govU.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank Honors Four Organizations for Excellence in Performance and Innovationhttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/08/us-deputy-secretary-commerce-rebecca-blank-honors-four-organizations-excellence-perf
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<a href="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/april/baldridge_dsrb-podium.jpg" rel="lightbox[field_photo][Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank presenting the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest Presidential honor for organizational performance excellence and innovation&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/april/baldridge_dsrb-podium.jpg&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; id=&quot;lightbox2-download-link-text&quot;&gt;Download Original&lt;/a&gt;]" class="imagefield imagefield-lightbox2 imagefield-lightbox2-custom_crop_350x230 imagefield-field_photo imagecache imagecache-field_photo imagecache-custom_crop_350x230 imagecache-field_photo-custom_crop_350x230"><img src="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/imagecache/custom_crop_350x230/images/2013/april/baldridge_dsrb-podium.jpg" alt="Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank presenting the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest Presidential honor for organizational performance excellence and innovation" title="Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank presenting the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest Presidential honor for organizational performance excellence and innovation" width="232" height="350" /></a> </div>
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<p>Today, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank
presented four U.S. organizations with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality
Award, the nation’s highest Presidential honor for organizational performance
excellence and innovation. The recipients of the award, which is commemorating
its 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary, will share their best practices as part of a
national effort to improve America’s performance and competitive standing in
the world.&nbsp; </p>
<p>Deputy Secretary Blank lauded the Baldrige Award winners for
being leaders in their fields and committed to the value of performance and
quality. Studies have shown that Baldrige winners grow their revenues, create
jobs, maintain healthy finances, and produce superior results.</p>
<p>At the awards ceremony, President Obama also delivered a
video message to the recipients, saying that the United States’ “free market is
the greatest engine of prosperity the world has ever known, and that engine is
powered by our dreamers, our risk takers and our innovators.” Further, he said, “These honorees exhibit the
kind of job creating innovation that’s always kept our economy growing and
vibrant and prosperous.” </p>
<p><!--break-->Malcolm Baldrige, the 26th Secretary of Commerce, believed
that high performance, quality and innovation have always been key drivers of
the U.S. economy. Balridge inspired business owners and public servants across
the country to strive for excellence, and in 1987, Congress honored his legacy
by establishing the Baldrige Awards to enhance the competitiveness and
performance of U.S. businesses. Now in its 25th year, the Baldrige Awards have
since been expanded to recognize excellence in three other categories as well:
education, health care, and nonprofit organizations.
Since 1987, the program has recognized 93 American companies and
organizations for outstanding performance.</p>
<p>The 2012 Baldrige Award winners are: </p>
<ul><li>Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas (manufacturing)</li><li>MESA, Tulsa, Okla. (small business)</li><li>North Mississippi Health Services, Tupelo, Miss. (health care)</li><li>City of Irving, Irving, Texas (nonprofit)</li></ul><p>These four winners are among the many outstanding U.S.
companies and organizations that are strengthening the American economy and
building a successful future.</p>
<p>Additional information on the Baldrige Award, the Baldrige
Performance Excellence Program, and profiles of the 2012 Award recipients is
available at <a href="http://www.nist.gov/baldrige">www.nist.gov/baldrige</a>.</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/08/us-deputy-secretary-commerce-rebecca-blank-honors-four-organizations-excellence-perf#commentsBaldrige AwardBaldrige Performance Excellence AwardsNational Institute of Standards and TechnologyOffice of the SecretaryDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankMon, 08 Apr 2013 18:00:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov15586 at http://www.commerce.govHonoring the Memory of Ron Brownhttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/03/honoring-memory-ron-brown
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<a href="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/april/ronaldharmonbrown.jpg" rel="lightbox[field_photo][Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/april/ronaldharmonbrown.jpg&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; id=&quot;lightbox2-download-link-text&quot;&gt;Download Original&lt;/a&gt;]" class="imagefield imagefield-lightbox2 imagefield-lightbox2-custom_crop_350x230 imagefield-field_photo imagecache imagecache-field_photo imagecache-custom_crop_350x230 imagecache-field_photo-custom_crop_350x230"><img src="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/imagecache/custom_crop_350x230/images/2013/april/ronaldharmonbrown.jpg" alt="Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown" title="Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown" width="170" height="262" /></a> </div>
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<p><em><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/04/03/honoring-memory-ron-brown">Cross
post</a> from the White House Blog</em></p><p class="p1"><em>The following blog post was written by </em><em><a href="/about-commerce/commerce-leadership/rebecca-blank" target="_blank">U.S. Commerce
Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank</a> and </em><em>Special Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of
Social Innovation and Civic Participation <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/sicp/staff/greenblatt" target="_blank">Jonathan Greenblatt. </a><br /></em></p><p>Today, we honor the anniversary of the passing of former U.S. Secretary of
Commerce Ron Brown. Secretary Brown was a dedicated public servant whose
untimely death during a trade mission to Croatia on April 3, 1996 ended his life
far too soon. His vision continues to be important and today’s work at the
Department of Commerce builds on his legacy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Secretary Brown served his country in Korea as a soldier in the U.S.
Army and in the halls of Congress as chief counsel to the Senate Judiciary
Committee. He also broke down barriers – becoming the first African American
chairman of the Democratic National Committee and the first African American to
serve as U.S. Secretary of Commerce. In this latter role, he made perhaps his
largest impact.</p>
<p>During his tenure at Commerce, Secretary Brown pioneered a focus on
exports that helped to boost the U.S. economy in the 1990s and contributed to
one of the largest periods of economic expansion in our nation’s history. During
a time when emerging markets in Asia and Latin America were opening up to trade,
Secretary Brown led a concerted effort to support this advancement and to secure
access for U.S. goods and services. He was a proponent of free trade, seeing
business as a powerful force to create good jobs at home and to accelerate
prosperity around the world. He also was an advocate of fair trade, seeking to
ensure that U.S. workers would be helped and not harmed by new trading
arrangements that would increase flows of capital and commerce.</p>
<p><!--break-->This focus has endured long after his passing. His legacy is
embedded in the sustained commitment of successive administrations from both
parties to assist American companies in expanding their global reach, both small
businesses and large corporations. President Obama has embraced this approach,
laying out a clear path to double exports and to lock in high labor and
environmental standards in countries around the world, potentially generating
billions of dollars in trade, creating millions of jobs, and ensuring the
healthy growth of communities around the planet.</p>
<p>The accident that killed Secretary Brown also took the lives of 34
other individuals, including 11 Commerce employees serving with Secretary Brown
on the trade mission, who dedicated their lives to serving this country.&nbsp; This
group included Commerce staff members Duane Christian, Adam Darling, Gail
Dobert, Carol Hamilton, Kathryn Hoffman, Steve Kaminski, Kathy Kellogg, Charles Meissner,
William Morton, Lawrence Payne, and Naomi Warbasse.</p>
<p>As President Obama has said, “Ron Brown embodied the values and the
ideals, that sense of possibility, that is at the heart of the American story.”&nbsp;
As we look ahead toward a more prosperous future for America and people around
the world, let us take a moment to honor his achievements and the memory of all
those whose sacrifice enables our work today.</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/04/03/honoring-memory-ron-brown#commentsRon BrownOffice of the SecretaryDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankWed, 03 Apr 2013 14:15:00 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov15578 at http://www.commerce.govBuilding on the Strength of U.S.-Brazil Economic Relationshiphttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/03/25/building-strength-us-brazil-economic-relationship
<p>Last week Deputy
Secretary Rebecca Blank <a href="/news/press-releases/2013/03/20/us-deputy-secretary-commerce-rebecca-blank-we-must-build-strength-us-?utm_source=newsletter&amp%3Butm_medium=email&amp%3Butm_campaign=CWG_0322">traveled
to Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro</a> for the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum and other
events aimed at strengthening the economic and commercial ties between the two
nations. </p>
<p>The U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum was created in 2007 to bring
private sector leaders from both countries together to develop joint
recommendations on how to deepen our commercial ties, and to present those
recommendations to the U.S. and Brazilian governments. The Forum has identified
five areas as priorities: tax and trade issues; education and innovation;
infrastructure; energy; and aviation.</p>
<p>Deputy Secretary Blank served as the U.S. Government’s co-chair for the
CEO Forum along with Michael Froman, the Deputy National Security Advisor for
International Economic Affairs at the White House.&nbsp; They were joined by
their Brazilian co-chairs, Minister of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade
Fernando Pimentel and Presidential Chief of Staff Gleisi Hoffman. &nbsp;</p>
<p>The
meeting was led by about 20 CEOs from both countries, whose priorities for
improving the economic and commercial relationship between Brazil and the U.S.
set the agenda for the meeting. &nbsp;As one of the U.S. Government’s
co-chairs, Deputy Secretary Blank gave an update to the members of the CEO
Forum on the progress that the two governments made to implement the
recommendations that the CEOs made at their previous meeting last year.&nbsp;
The CEOs then led the main discussion and came up with several <a href="/news/press-releases/2013/03/20/us-deputy-secretary-commerce-rebecca-blank-we-must-build-strength-us-">new
recommendations</a> that will be formally released in the coming weeks,
including:</p>
<ul><li>Calling upon the governments to take advantage of the
momentum from the recently-approved Tax Information Exchange Agreement
(TIEA) to take on additional tax issues that could eventually pave the way
for a Bilateral Tax Treaty.</li><li>Continuing to make progress on Brazil’s participation
in the Global Entry Program, making it easier for Brazilians traveling to
the United States on business to get through immigration at U.S. airports.</li><li>Continuing efforts to increase cooperation in the area
of infrastructure and take advantage of the U.S. infrastructure trade
mission, scheduled for May, to create opportunities for U.S. and Brazilian
companies to partner on infrastructure improvements.</li><li>Continuing to cooperate on education and workforce
development issues by supporting programs like President Obama’s “100,000
Strong in the Americas” initiative and Brazil’s “Scientific Mobility
Program.”</li><li>Building upon the work of the Strategic Energy Dialogue
and involve the private sector in energy infrastructure and policy
discussions.</li><li>Building on cooperation between the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office (USPTO) and Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial
Property (INPI) to engage in more formal worksharing efforts to support
innovation.</li><li>Continuing work begun under the Aviation Partnership
Agreement to advance aviation cooperation and use the Aviation Partnership
as a model for other sectors.</li></ul>
<p>In
Rio de Janeiro, Deputy Secretary Blank met with more business leaders and also <a href="/news/deputy-secretary-speeches/2013/03/20/remarks-strengthening-us-brazil-relations-columbia-univers">delivered
remarks</a> at a Columbia University event focused on innovation and economic
development which was part of the launch of the university’s new Global Center
in that city.&nbsp; &nbsp;She emphasized the importance of U.S.-Brazil
collaboration in areas such as infrastructure development, clean energy,
student exchanges, and more.&nbsp; Finally, she announced that U.S.-Brazil
partnerships would continue to grow in the near future due to a <a href="/news/press-releases/2013/03/20/us-deputy-secretary-commerce-rebecca-blank-we-must-build-strength-us-">high-level,
infrastructure-focused trade mission</a> to Brazil – as well as Colombia and
Panama – that will take place in mid-May.&nbsp;</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/03/25/building-strength-us-brazil-economic-relationship#commentsBrazilU.S-Brazil CEO ForumU.S.-Brazil CEO ForumOffice of the SecretaryDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankMon, 25 Mar 2013 17:30:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov15569 at http://www.commerce.govDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank Announces New Manufacturing Council Membershttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/03/14/deputy-secretary-commerce-rebecca-blank-announces-new-manufacturing-council-members
<p>U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank today announced the appointment of 26 members to the 2013 <a href="http://www.trade.gov/manufacturingcouncil/" target="_blank">Manufacturing Council</a> (Council). The Council, established in 2004 and directed by the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, helps to ensure that there is regular communication between the U.S. government and the manufacturing sector.<br /><br />The Council is comprised of up to 30 members that represent a diverse cross section of the manufacturing industry, including steel, textile, semiconductor, and medical manufacturers.&nbsp; Their products support a wide range of industries such as the auto, apparel, aerospace, and energy efficiency sectors.<br /><br />The Council advises the Secretary of Commerce on government policies and programs that affect U.S. manufacturing and provides a forum for proposing solutions to industry-related problems. The Council also works to ensure that the United States remains the preeminent destination for investment in manufacturing throughout the world. The Secretaries of Labor, Energy, and Treasury serve as ex officio members of the Council to better collaborate on cross-cutting issues the Council will address. See the complete list of members of the <a href="/news/press-releases/2013/03/14/us-deputy-secretary-commerce-rebecca-blank-announces-new-manufacturin" target="_blank">2013 Manufacturing Council</a>.</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/03/14/deputy-secretary-commerce-rebecca-blank-announces-new-manufacturing-council-members#commentsManufacturing CouncilOffice of the SecretaryDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankThu, 14 Mar 2013 14:50:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov15558 at http://www.commerce.govWomen in Silicon Valley Leading the Wayhttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/03/07/women-silicon-valley-leading-way
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<p><em><strong>Guest blog post by Deputy Secretary of Commerce <a href="/about-commerce/commerce-leadership/rebecca-blank">Rebecca Blank</a></strong></em></p><p>Yesterday, I met with women who are fostering entrepreneurship and
innovation in our economy through their leadership at top venture capital firms
in Silicon Valley. </p>
<p>We discussed the need
for more girls and women to be able to find opportunities in the science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, where women comprise less than
one-fourth of the workforce. We also discussed how women are investing in and
leading startups and businesses in key areas that support U.S. competitiveness,
such as clean energy, healthcare, telecommunications, bioscience, and other
fast-growing fields.</p>
<p>It's clear that women
investors play a crucial role in helping ensure that the best private-sector
ideas - including those coming from women entrepreneurs - get the resources
they need to help build companies and create jobs.</p>
<p>Strengthening the
role of women in business and technology is an important goal of the Obama
Administration, supported by the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/cwg">White House Council on Women and Girls</a>. The Commerce Department, for its part, offers <a href="http://www.nist.gov/iaao/postdoc.cfm">post-doctoral research opportunities</a>, <a href="http://fosterscholars.noaa.gov">scholarships</a>, and unique experiences aimed at encouraging girls to consider
fulfilling and rewarding careers in STEM fields.&nbsp; </p>
<p class="Default"><!--break-->More broadly, the
Administration as a whole has launched efforts like <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education/k-12/educate-innovate">Educate to Innovate</a> and <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education/k-12/race-to-the-top">Race to the Top</a>, which help inspire young people of all backgrounds to go into the
high-pay, high-skilled fields of science and technology. These are key
components of the President’s goal to
move U.S. students from the middle to the top of the pack in math and science
achievement over the next decade, and to engage girls and other students who
are historically underrepresented in these fields.</p>
<p class="Default">It’s why the Council
on Women and Girls established the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/04/30/stem-women-all-stars-hit-road">Women in STEM Speakers Bureau</a> two years ago to connect students with senior
female Federal scientists and engineers, like our very own Under Secretary for
Oceans and Atmosphere Jane Lubchenco and Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Communications and Information Anna Gomez. And just last September, the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/09/24/fact-sheet-equal-futures-partnership-and-united-states-commitments-expan">Administration highlighted the work that the
private sector has contributed</a> towards this goal as well, like Harvey Mudd and Piazza’s <a href="https://piazza.com/witson">groundbreaking
partnership</a> to expose 20,000
students to 500 women mentors in just a few months.</p>
<p>We want to help more
girls and women find their own path to success - perhaps following in the
footsteps of some of the role models I met this morning.</p>
<p>If we're successful
in providing more paths for all Americans to pursue education, training, and
jobs in the STEM fields, I'm confident that our nation will become even more
competitive in the years ahead.</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/03/07/women-silicon-valley-leading-way#commentsEducationSTEMWhite House Council on Women and GirlsDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankFri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000ksullivan@doc.gov15551 at http://www.commerce.govBusinesses Need Common Sense Immigration Reform to Keep Growing, Creating American Jobshttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/03/07/businesses-need-common-sense-immigration-reform-keep-growing-creating-american-jobs
<p><em><strong>Guest blog post by Dr. <a href="/about-commerce/commerce-leadership/rebecca-blank">Rebecca Blank</a>, Deputy Secretary of Commerce</strong></em></p><p>Yesterday, I was in California to <a href="/news/deputy-secretary-speeches/2013/03/07/remarks-silicon-valley-leadership-group-annual-business-su">talk with business executives</a> who are part of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. We discussed key issues facing them as they continue to grow, create jobs, and drive both innovation and competitiveness here in the U.S.</p><p>They just completed an annual survey of their own membership. The biggest business challenge that they identified was their ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce.</p><p>I let them know that President Obama understands that we are in a global competition for talent and we want the best people right here in the U.S.</p><p><!--break-->I gave two examples that are part of his commonsense plan for immigration reform:</p><p>First, many foreign graduate students come to the U.S. and study areas like science, technology, engineering and mathematics—STEM fields—at our universities. Upon graduation, we can't afford to lose those high-skilled workers to a competitor nation simply because they can't get a green card. That's why we need to "staple" a green card to their degrees, especially if there is a U.S. company that needs their particular knowledge or expertise to keep growing and creating more American jobs.</p><p>Second, some foreign entrepreneurs have successfully attracted financing from U.S. investors and are finding U.S. customers who want to buy their products. Through a "start-up visa," we want to find a path for these entrepreneurs to build their businesses in the U.S. and hire Americans to work in them. After all, more than 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies have been founded by immigrants or children of immigrants.</p><p>Taking these two steps—along with all of the others in the President's comprehensive plan for immigration reform—could help boost our GDP by up to 1.3 percent while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in the coming years.</p><p>We need to act now. There has never been stronger, broader support for immigration reform than there is today. It's time to move forward with policies that will help America out-compete and out-innovate in the 21st century.</p><p>If we are successful, our economy will grow faster, we will create more good-paying jobs, and the future will be brighter for the next generation.<em><strong><br /></strong></em></p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/03/07/businesses-need-common-sense-immigration-reform-keep-growing-creating-american-jobs#commentsComprehensive immigration reformEconomyJobsSilicon Valley Leadership GroupSTEMDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankThu, 07 Mar 2013 15:45:00 +0000ksullivan@doc.gov15550 at http://www.commerce.govDoing Business in Africa Forum Presents Opportunities for American Businesses in Sub-Saharan Regionhttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/02/22/doing-business-africa-forum-presents-opportunities-american-businesses-sub-saharan-r
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<p><strong><em>Guest blog post by <a href="http://trade.gov/press/bios/sanchez.asp">Francisco Sánchez</a>,&nbsp;Under Secretary of Commerce for International
Trade and <a href="http://www.mbda.gov/main/people/david-hinson">David Hinson</a>, National Director, Minority Business Development Agency</em></strong></p><p>
Earlier
this week, we attended the Doing Business in Africa Forum at the White House.
This was the first forum of the <a href="http://export.gov/africa/">Doing Business in
Africa</a> campaign that the Commerce Department <a href="/news/acting-secretary-speeches/2012/11/28/remarks-launch-doing-business-africa-campaign-johannesburg">launched three months ago in Johannesburg, South Africa</a>.
Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank gave the opening remarks and focused
on strengthening commercial ties between the United States and Sub-Saharan
Africa. She emphasized that as the continent’s wealth increases, so does the
demand for improved infrastructure, energy services, and high-quality consumer
and agricultural products – all of which American companies are well positioned
to provide. In fact, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to six of the ten
fastest-growing countries in the world, which helps explain why over the past
decade, U.S. trade to and from Africa has tripled, with U.S. exports now
topping $21 billion.&nbsp;
Michael Strautmanis, Deputy Assistant to the President and Counselor for Strategic
Engagement, welcomed the group of federal government officials, African-born
U.S. business and financial leaders, and African-American entrepreneurs,
corporate executives, fund managers and investment advisors. Mr. Strautmanis
emphasized the need for a collective approach from federal agencies to provide
expanded investment and trade financing support to help U.S businesses become
more effective global competitors, particularly in the Sub-Saharan
region.</p>
<p>Amplifying
that message, both of us, along with representatives from government entities
including the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Export-Import Bank,
Small Business Administration, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S.
Trade and Development Agency and Millennium Challenge Corporation, described for
the assembled group how all of our services are structured under the Doing
Business in Africa campaign to help them seize opportunities in the Sub-Saharan
Africa region.&nbsp;
</p><p><!--break-->Among
the Department of Commerce resources we discussed: </p>
<ul><li>MBDA’s
network of over 40 Business Centers across the country that assist
minority-owned and Diaspora-owned businesses in gaining access to contracts, to
capital, and to new markets in places such as Africa. MBDA’s website at <a href="http://www.mbda.gov">www.mbda.gov</a>
provides detailed information on that assistance.</li></ul>
<ul><li>The
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://export.gov/eac/index.asp">International Trade Administration’s staff in more than
100 U.S. cities and 70 countries</a></span>, including across
Africa, who help to guide American businesses through every step of the export
process — from helping solve financing issues to overcoming regulatory
challenges. </li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="http://export.gov/africa/">Export.gov/Africa</a> as a great
source of information about the government resources available to companies who
are looking to expand into this increasingly rich and diverse marketplace.</li></ul>
<p>It’s
important to note that U.S. Census data shows that minority-owned firms are
twice as likely to export their products and services as non-minority-owned
firms. That’s why we think it’s smart for us to reach out to minority-owned
businesses that are eager to expand into emerging markets such as Sub-Saharan
Africa but need assistance gaining access. We also want to support the
exporting efforts of African-born entrepreneurs operating businesses here in
the U.S., who often have strong personal and commercial ties to Africa. Several
African American and African-born U.S. business owners who are already selling
their products and services in African markets shared best practices and
success stories with the forum audience. </p>
<p>As
Deputy Secretary Blank stressed and we reiterated to the business leaders at
the forum, we want to be economic partners in their entry and expansion in the
region. When U.S. products and services reach Sub-Saharan Africa, it will help
fuel growth and enhance prosperity for Africans and create jobs here in
America. These are goals we all share, and we look forward to working with U.S.
businesses to achieve them.</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/02/22/doing-business-africa-forum-presents-opportunities-american-businesses-sub-saharan-r#commentsDoing Business in AfricaInternational Trade AdministrationMinority Business Development AgencyOffice of the SecretaryDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankUnder Secretary for International Trade Francisco J. SánchezMBDA National Director David A. HinsonFri, 22 Feb 2013 21:30:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov15539 at http://www.commerce.govDeputy Secretary Blank Travels to BMW in Spartanburg, SC to Highlight Revitalization of American Manufacturinghttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/02/15/deputy-secretary-blank-travels-bmw-spartanburg-sc-highlight-revitalization-american-
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<p>Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank visited BMW
Manufacturing today and delivered remarks on the President’s plan to make
America a magnet for jobs and manufacturing. The Deputy Secretary highlighted
the President’s proposals for a new Investing in Manufacturing Communities
Partnership, the SelectUSA program, and the National Network for Manufacturing
Innovation.&nbsp; Blank’s visit comes on the heels of President Obama’s State
of the Union Address, in which he outlined a broad agenda for revitalizing U.S.
manufacturing, spurring innovation, and accelerating export growth.</p>
<p>During <a href="/news/deputy-secretary-speeches/2013/02/15/remarks-revitalizing-american-manufacturing-spartanburg-so">her remarks</a>,
Blank emphasized key Commerce programs that will drive President Obama’s “<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/02/13/fact-sheet-president-s-plan-make-america-magnet-jobs-investing-manufactu">Make
America a Magnet for Jobs by Investing in Manufacturing</a>” plan. For example,
Commerce is going to lead a team of federal agencies in the new Investing in
Manufacturing Communities Partnership.&nbsp; The President has proposed a new
program to support communities that do the hard work and analysis to identify
key projects that will bolster their ability to attract investment.&nbsp; A
competitive process will select communities that have done effective planning
but need a little help to build additional assets. &nbsp;For instance, the
program could provide matching funds to co-invest in things like a business
park or a new tech transfer program with local universities. Local leaders will
need to show that they’ve put together a strong plan to attract investments
from a particular industry where their community has a comparative
advantage.&nbsp; That means they’ll need to collaborate closely across the
public and private sectors, local foundations, and local research and teaching
institutions. By supporting communities that are actively working to become
investment hubs, the program will help entice both manufacturers and their
supply chains to come to a particular area.&nbsp;</p><p>
<!--break-->Building on a successful pilot program, Commerce is also partnering with
businesses and communities to invest in American-made technologies and American
workers through a network of <a href="/news/press-releases/2012/08/16/obama-administration-announces-new-public-private-partnership-support">new
Manufacturing Innovation Institutes</a> (NNMI). The Departments of Commerce,
Defense and Energy will launch three more pilot institutes this year.</p>
<p>To help bring jobs back to the United States, the President
is proposing to expand <a href="http://selectusa.commerce.gov/">SelectUSA</a>, a program
designed to partner with our governors and mayors to bring in business
investment from around the world. SelectUSA recently trained Commerce
Department employees stationed in 25 international markets to educate foreign
businesses that want to learn more about investing here. Commerce will also
host a SelectUSA summit this year, where global businesses will come to the
U.S. and be matched with local leaders who are ready to talk about why their
community is the best place to build and hire. </p>
<p>Deputy Secretary Blank emphasized that there is no “magic
bullet” to strengthen manufacturing in America, but a few key investments can
make a big difference. She encouraged those in attendance to do all they can to
attract investment and drive innovation in manufacturing at this critical
moment. As she said, if we’re successful, American communities will be
stronger, the economy will grow faster, and the future will be brighter for the
next generation of Americans. </p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/02/15/deputy-secretary-blank-travels-bmw-spartanburg-sc-highlight-revitalization-american-#commentsInvesting in Manufacturing Communities PartnershipNational Network for Manufacturing InnovationNNMISelectUSAOffice of the SecretaryDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankFri, 15 Feb 2013 21:00:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov15524 at http://www.commerce.govDeputy Secretary Blank Joins President Obama in Honoring National Medal of Technology and Innovation Winnershttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/02/06/deputy-secretary-blank-joins-president-obama-honoring-national-medal-technology-and-
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<a href="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/february/nmtimedal2.jpg" rel="lightbox[field_photo][President Barack Obama presents Dr. Frances H. Arnold (left), California Institute of Technology, the Medal of Technology and Innovation for her pioneering biofuels-related research that could eventually lead to the replacement of pollutant-causing material. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/february/nmtimedal2.jpg&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; id=&quot;lightbox2-download-link-text&quot;&gt;Download Original&lt;/a&gt;]" class="imagefield imagefield-lightbox2 imagefield-lightbox2-custom_crop_350x230 imagefield-field_photo imagecache imagecache-field_photo imagecache-custom_crop_350x230 imagecache-field_photo-custom_crop_350x230"><img src="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/imagecache/custom_crop_350x230/images/2013/february/nmtimedal2.jpg" alt="President Barack Obama presents Dr. Frances H. Arnold (left), California Institute of Technology, the Medal of Technology and Innovation for her pioneering biofuels-related research that could eventually lead to the replacement of pollutant-causing material. " title="President Barack Obama presents Dr. Frances H. Arnold (left), California Institute of Technology, the Medal of Technology and Innovation for her pioneering biofuels-related research that could eventually lead to the replacement of pollutant-causing material. " width="350" height="244" /></a> </div>
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<p>Deputy
Secretary Rebecca Blank joined President Barack Obama Friday, February 1 at a
White House ceremony honoring the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/12/21/president-obama-honors-nation-s-top-scientists-and-innovators">recipients
of the 2011 National Medals of Science and National Medals of Technology and
Innovation</a>. These medals are presented each year by the President of the
United States.</p><p>The
Department of Commerce’s <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/">United States Patent and Trademark Office</a> (USPTO) administers
the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/about/nmti/index.jsp">National Medal of
Technology and Innovation</a> honoring those that deliver technologies that are
changing society and improving the quality of life. The National Medal of
Technology and Innovation is this country’s highest award for technological
achievement.</p><p>The
medal is awarded annually to individuals, teams, companies or divisions of
companies for their outstanding contributions to America’s economic,
environmental and social well-being. By highlighting the national importance of
technological innovation, the medal also seeks to inspire future generations of
Americans to prepare for, and pursue technical careers to keep America at the
forefront of global technology and economic leadership.</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/02/06/deputy-secretary-blank-joins-president-obama-honoring-national-medal-technology-and-#commentsNational Medals of ScienceNational Medals of Technology and InnovationPresident Barack ObamaPatent and Trademark OfficeDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankWed, 06 Feb 2013 16:45:00 +0000ksullivan@doc.gov15495 at http://www.commerce.govDeputy Secretary Rebecca Blank Visits Washington, D.C. Auto Showhttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/02/01/deputy-secretary-rebecca-blank-visits-washington-dc-auto-show
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<a href="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/february/photo_14.jpg" rel="lightbox[field_photo][Deputy Secretary Blank Inspects a Display Model at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2013/february/photo_14.jpg&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; id=&quot;lightbox2-download-link-text&quot;&gt;Download Original&lt;/a&gt;]" class="imagefield imagefield-lightbox2 imagefield-lightbox2-custom_crop_350x230 imagefield-field_photo imagecache imagecache-field_photo imagecache-custom_crop_350x230 imagecache-field_photo-custom_crop_350x230"><img src="http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/imagecache/custom_crop_350x230/images/2013/february/photo_14.jpg" alt="Deputy Secretary Blank Inspects a Display Model at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show" title="Deputy Secretary Blank Inspects a Display Model at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show" width="263" height="350" /></a> </div>
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<p>Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank visited the
Washington, D.C.&nbsp;Auto Show. While there, she visited various exhibits
including Ford, Toyota, Chrysler, GM, Honda, and Volkswagen. At each exhibit,
Blank spoke with representatives of each car maker and “kicked the tires” of
the models on display.</p>
<p>Many of the Commerce Department’s bureaus support
the auto manufacturing industry. For example, the International Trade
Administration works hard to increase exports of domestically-produced autos
and auto parts. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has
numerous ongoing partnerships with automotive manufacturers and their suppliers
on advanced technologies, such as alternative fuel sources, advanced materials
and automation. NIST also provides advanced measurements, standards, and
calibrations for the manufacturing of vehicles and for the automotive
components themselves. To improve the next-generation of automotive safety,
NIST works with automobile manufacturers and suppliers to provide the
underlying measurement infrastructure.</p>
<p>Since GM and Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy, the American auto
industry has added more than 290,000 jobs – the best growth since 1997 and U.S. passenger vehicle sales reached approximately 14.4
million units in 2012, up 13.4 percent from 2011’s 12.7 million, marking the
highest level since 2007.</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/02/01/deputy-secretary-rebecca-blank-visits-washington-dc-auto-show#commentsAuto ShowOffice of the SecretaryDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankFri, 01 Feb 2013 19:00:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov15493 at http://www.commerce.govDeputy Secretary Blank Highlights Workforce Skills Development as Key to Attracting Investment, Creating Good Jobshttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/01/30/deputy-secretary-blank-highlights-workforce-skills-development-key-attracting-invest
<p>Yesterday, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank
delivered <a href="/news/deputy-secretary-speeches/2013/01/29/remarks-workforce-skills-development-german-ambassadors-re">keynote remarks</a> at an event focused on the importance of developing a
skilled workforce in order to attract more investment and create more good
jobs.</p>
<p>The event, hosted by German Ambassador Peter Ammon,
attracted CEOs of German-owned companies that have invested in the United
States (such as STIHL, BMW, Volkswagen, and Siemens) as well as leaders of U.S.
community colleges, universities, and think tanks.&nbsp; </p>
<p>Blank cited key Obama administration programs that are
strengthening the links between colleges and employers–ensuring that more
graduates are ready to fill jobs that are open right now in areas such as
advanced manufacturing. She also praised the German Embassy’s
newly-announced “Skills Initiative,” an effort to help more German companies
form partnerships to train American workers and expand their operations in the
U.S.</p>
<p>Blank emphasized that education and training are crucial not
only for helping individual workers find good jobs, but also for fostering a
deeper pool of talented and skilled citizens throughout society. She
noted that the U.S. has historically led the way to establish free public
education and world-class public universities. She also cited Germany’s
unique “dual system”–a model that blends education with hands-on training–which is well-known for helping young people who have graduated high school but
who are not pursuing four-year degrees.</p>
<p>Blank stressed the importance of continued leadership and
partnership between the U.S. and Germany overall, noting that hundreds of
thousands of Americans go to work each day at German companies that operate in
the U.S., and vice versa.</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2013/01/30/deputy-secretary-blank-highlights-workforce-skills-development-key-attracting-invest#commentsBusiness investmentPeter AmmonWorkforce TrainingOffice of the SecretaryDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankWed, 30 Jan 2013 23:00:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov15491 at http://www.commerce.gov2010 Census: On-Time, Under-Budget, and Extremely Accuratehttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2012/05/23/2010-census-time-under-budget-and-extremely-accurate
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<p><em><strong>Guest blog post by Commerce Deputy Secretary <a href="/about-commerce/commerce-leadership/rebecca-blank">Rebecca M. Blank</a></strong></em><br /><br />Yesterday's U.S. Census Bureau <a href="http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/2010_census/cb12-95.html">report</a> shows that not only was the 2010 Census delivered on time and significantly under budget–but even more important, it was extremely accurate. I am proud of the extraordinary accomplishment by the Census Bureau and the Commerce Department in its success with the massive 2010 Decennial Census effort that gathered data vital to understanding our nation’s population and to allocating equal representation in our democratic system. The accuracy of the 2010 Decennial Census is particularly impressive considering outside predictions of failure. The Census was able to reverse a decades-long decline in survey response rates with its 2010 count. <br /><br />The data released yesterday are from a post-enumeration survey of the 2010 Census called the Census Coverage Measurement (CCM) program, which measures the accuracy of the coverage of the nation’s household population (excluding the 8.0 million people in “group quarters,” such as nursing homes or college dorms). It surveys a sample of the 300.7 million people living in housing units and then matches the responses to the census, providing an estimate of exactly who was or wasn’t counted in the census. The results found that the 2010 Census had a very small net overcount–just 0.01 percent–which is statistically virtually the same as zero, and a significant improvement over the 0.49 percent overcount in 2000 and 1.61 percent undercount in 1990. You can learn more about how the Census Bureau <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAm4t6gB5Zg&amp;feature=youtu.be">conducts the CCM survey after the census to help measure its quality</a>.<!--break--></p><p>However, as in past surveys, this release shows that certain populations were undercounted. More work remains to address persistent causes of undercounting, such as poverty, mobility, language isolation, low levels of education, and general awareness of the survey, in addition to duplicate counts among the elderly and college students living away from home. As a nation, it is imperative that we work to address economic inequalities that impact those populations by promoting education, opportunities and jobs–particularly those in high-paying, high-quality science, technology, engineering and math fields. <br /><br />The 2010 Census count shows how the U.S. population has grown and shifted over the last decade. People use this data to advocate for causes, rescue disaster victims, prevent diseases, research markets, locate pools of skilled workers and more. Not only does the Decennial Census determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, but more than $400 billion in federal funds are distributed every year to states and communities based in part on Census population data and American Community Survey (ACS) results. State and local governments use this data to plan new roads, new schools and new emergency services, and businesses use the data to develop new economic opportunities–all crucial for a safe, educated, equitable, and thriving democracy. <br /><br />Yesterday's Census Coverage Measurement results underscore the accuracy of our federal statistics and provide useful information that will pave the way for the Department of Commerce and U.S. Census Bureau to achieve an even better and more inclusive 2020 Census.</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2012/05/23/2010-census-time-under-budget-and-extremely-accurate#comments2010 CensusACSCensus Coverage MeasurementBureau of the CensusEconomics and Statistics AdministrationDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankWed, 23 May 2012 13:30:00 +0000ksullivan@doc.gov14757 at http://www.commerce.govDeputy Secretary Blank Advocates Public Service in Commencement Speechhttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2012/05/18/deputy-secretary-blank-advocates-public-service-commencement-speech
<p><strong><em>Guest blog post by Commerce Deputy Secretary <a href="/about-commerce/commerce-leadership/rebecca-blank">Rebecca M. Blank</a></em></strong></p><p>This morning, I had the privilege of delivering the <a href="/news/deputy-secretary-speeches/2012/05/18/remarks-university-maryland-commencement-ceremony-baltimor">commencement address</a> to graduate students at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) commencement ceremony.<br /><br />I was also deeply honored to receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree during the ceremony for my work as a public servant, including the leadership I provided in my previous job at Commerce, overseeing the nation’s <a href="http://esa.gov/">premier statistical agencies</a>, the <a href="http://www.census.gov">Census Bureau</a> (during the <a href="http://2010.census.gov/2010census/">2010 Census</a>) and the <a href="http://www.bea.gov">Bureau of Economic Analysis</a>.<br /><br />The commencement speech provided an opportunity to give advice to the graduate students and to encourage them to use their expertise and experience to find solutions to the pressing problems facing our world. UMBC is particularly well-known for its scientific training. Science, technology, engineering and math–STEM fields–are particularly important, and it is STEM-related research that will drive innovation in the years ahead. In fact, STEM jobs have grown three times faster than other jobs, indicating the need for more workers with these skills.</p><p><!--break-->STEM jobs are not just for graduates with advanced degrees: about one-third of STEM jobs are available to workers who do not have college degrees, but who have post-high school training and certification. But in the U.S., only about 13 percent of college graduates finish school with a STEM degree, compared to 25 percent of college graduates in other countries, like Germany. That’s why the president’s 2013 budget invests $3 billion across the federal government in programs that promote STEM education, a three percent increase. In particular, we need to focus on creating more paths for women and minorities to get STEM degrees. And we need to make sure that we keep the talent already here, by “stapling” green cards to the STEM degrees of foreign students who come to the U.S., get a world-class education, and receive job offers which will help our companies drive innovation.</p><p><br />I also talked about the need for students to find ways to "give back" as they move through their careers. I care a great deal about public service and am proud to work in the federal government. More than ever before, government needs well-trained and effective workers. At Commerce, we do a wide variety of things that serve both businesses and consumers: We promote <a href="http://www.trade.gov">U.S. exports</a>. We issue <a href="http://www.uspto.gov">patents</a> for new inventions. We oversee the Census, the <a href="http://weather.gov/">National Weather Service</a>, and cutting-edge labs at the <a href="http://www.nist.gov">National Institute of Standards and Technology</a>.<br /><br />We have close to 45,000 employees, and I am impressed every day with their dedication to their work.&nbsp; Many of them have multiple job options outside government, but they choose to work inside government because–among other things–they believe that government helps people and they want to make sure it works effectively.</p><p>And there are success stories every day. In fact, just yesterday, Commerce Secretary John Bryson had the opportunity to recognize 41 U.S. companies and organizations that have made significant contributions to increasing American exports. Receiving the President’s “E” Awards, these organizations, 35 of which were small- or medium-sized enterprises, contribute to the President’s National Export Initiative (NEI) goal of doubling U.S. exports in order to support American jobs. <br /><br />Whether their degrees are in science, public policy or communications, I encouraged those who feel a calling toward public service to consider their options in government. I congratulate this year’s graduates at UMBC and hope that they will find ways to make the world just a little better place through their work and their careers.</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2012/05/18/deputy-secretary-blank-advocates-public-service-commencement-speech#commentsInnovationPublic serviceSTEMUMBCUniversity of MarylandBureau of Economic AnalysisBureau of the CensusEconomics and Statistics AdministrationInternational Trade AdministrationNational Institute of Standards and TechnologyNational Oceanic & Atmospheric AdministrationPatent and Trademark OfficeDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankFri, 18 May 2012 19:40:00 +0000ksullivan@doc.gov14737 at http://www.commerce.govDeputy Secretary Blank Delivers Remarks on Manufacturing at the Aspen Institutehttp://www.commerce.gov/blog/2012/05/16/deputy-secretary-blank-delivers-remarks-manufacturing-aspen-institute
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<p>This morning, Deputy Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank delivered the <a href="/news/deputy-secretary-speeches/2012/05/16/remarks-aspen-institute">keynote address</a> at “Manufacturing, Innovation, and Workforce Training: What Works In Germany and The United States For Jobs and Growth,” a conference co-sponsored by the Aspen Institute, the German Center for Research and Innovation, the German Embassy, and the Representative of German Industry and Trade. Her remarks come the week before Commerce Secretary John Bryson travels to Dusseldorf and Berlin to meet with government and business leaders.</p><p>Deputy Secretary Blank noted how both America and Germany have shown strength in areas such as manufacturing and exporting. She emphasized the importance of maintaining economic growth by strengthening the U.S.-German economic relationship.<!--break-->Deputy Secretary Blank provided details about the essential role the manufacturing sector is playing right now to strengthen America’s economy. For example, the Commerce Department just released a report showing that U.S. manufacturing jobs provide wages and benefits that are 17 percent higher than non-manufacturing jobs. The manufacturing sector employs the majority of America’s scientists and engineers, and is responsible for 70 percent of U.S. private sector R&amp;D and 90 percent of patents.</p><p>As those statistics illustrate, manufacturing is an engine of innovation. Outlining the Obama administration’s approach to fostering innovation and strengthening the manufacturing sector, Deputy Secretary Blank said that continued support for basic research and education are all crucial. She also pointed to President Obama’s support for doubling the budgets of key federal programs such as the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) labs.</p><p>In addition, Deputy Secretary Blank highlighted the importance of increasing exports and trade, including promoting more trade between the U.S. and Germany, America’s fifth-largest trading partner. She also mentioned the importance of the new Colombia trade agreement that went into effect this week, providing more opportunities for American businesses that export to one of South America’s largest markets.</p><p>Dr. Blank also discussed the importance of education in science, technology, engineering and math–STEM fields—saying that a globally competitive economy requires a globally competitive workforce. STEM workers are central to advanced manufacturing firms. That’s why President Obama has proposed an $8 billion Community College to Career Fund, which aims to strengthen the pipeline of workers into good jobs, including those in manufacturing. The president’s 2013 budget also invests $3 billion across the federal government in programs that promote STEM education.</p><p>There are many opportunities for the U.S. and Germany to continue to lead the world in manufacturing, and many other areas. Dr. Blank closed by saying the two countries should continue to examine ways to use basic research and development; export support and workforce development--and all of the other tools at their disposal--to strengthen the economic recovery for both economies and in turn to bring prosperity to their businesses and their citizens.</p>http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2012/05/16/deputy-secretary-blank-delivers-remarks-manufacturing-aspen-institute#commentsAspen InstituteEconomyEducationExportsGermanyManufacturingR&DSTEMInternational Trade AdministrationNational Institute of Standards and TechnologyDeputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca BlankWed, 16 May 2012 22:50:00 +0000ksullivan@doc.gov14721 at http://www.commerce.gov